Patricia Wessel Lavach

Patricia Wessel Lavach, age 84, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, in Williamsburg, VA. Born on February 26, 1941, in Teaneck, New Jersey, she led a life marked by a dedication to education and family.

After receiving a Bachelor's of Arts in Business Education from Montclair State College in New Jersey, Pat earned a Master of Education in Adult Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and an Education Specialist degree in Higher Education from The College of William and Mary.

For several decades, Pat was an instructor for Graduate School USA teaching throughout the United States, as well as in Europe for the Department of Defense stationed in Germany and Italy. In addition, she spent a decade training Department of Defense personnel in Europe, through the European Training Program based in Germany. Pat also served in numerous positions in the private sector, both as an instructor and an administrator. Throughout her career she developed and taught numerous courses in the field of written and oral communication. Pat was extremely proud that she retired at the young age of 82 after 43 years of excellence in teaching for Graduate School USA.

Throughout her life, Pat enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, and being in nature. She was devoted to causes involving animals and the environment. She loved walking on the beaches of Cape Cod, especially at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge with her family and dogs. She had a huge heart for her fur babies, her most recent being her precious Maggie. Pat was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who was adored by us all and will be deeply missed. There was not a weekend, holiday, or family event that Pat was not eager to spend celebrating with her family. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Chris Lavach and wife, Noelle, and their children, Haley and Jack Lavach; and daughter, Kim Lavach and husband, Jim Gravgaard, and their children, Ally, Cate, and Gigi Gravgaard. Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, John Lavach; her parents, Jennie and Henry Wessel, Sr.; and her brother, Henry Wessel, Jr.

A private family service will be held later in the year in Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the School of Education at The College of William & Mary, P.O. Box 1693, Williamsburg, VA 23187. Please make checks payable to The College of William and Mary Foundation noted in memory of Pat Lavach, or the Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.